Christmas is the time of year when we all festive and are ready to go on holiday. The Christmas market is a special thing, and every European country has their own way to celebrating this event. Not only will we explore the best christmas locations in Europe, but we will also give you some tips on where to visit if you want something a little different fort his year’s festivities. Where to spend Christmas and new year’s Eve this year? After two years of cancellations and restrictions, 2022 marks the return of festivities to the cultural programs of Europe’s largest capitals and festive cities accessible within a few hours of flight. It’s time to make up for lost time, dress up and toast to the fireworks of Europe’s finest festivals.
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New year, new horizons! Do you want to mark the occasion and dream of an unforgettable New Year? Whether you’re more magical or glamorous, a family New Year’s Eve, a party with friends or a romantic getaway, here’s where to end the year in style and start a new one with panache. Moreover, to explore all these best christmas locations in Europe, you can easily rent a car from Yolcu360.
Barcelona, Spain
Want to spend the New Year in the sun? Direction Barcelona. Admittedly, the temperatures are not summery, but the sun is shining enough to supply you with vitamin D. In the Catalan capital, a colorful New Year awaits you. During the day, athletes will take part in the traditional Cursa dels Nassos, an opportunity to say goodbye to the current year in a very original way. The festivities take place around the magic fountain of Montjuïc, which comes to life majestically to welcome the new year. Sounds, lights and fireworks are sure to dazzle you. To continue the evening, go to one of the many bars or clubs in this city that never sleeps.
In Barcelona, the tradition is to swallow grapes one by one to the rhythm of the twelve strokes of midnight. Barcelona’s nightlife is one of the most intense in the world. On December 31, during the Nochevieja, night owls jostle more than ever in tapas bars, take up residence on the terraces, dance in bars and nightclubs. The passage of the new year is celebrated in the Spanish way: while the chimes strike the 12 strokes of midnight, tradition or superstition dictates that we swallow grapes one by one, to the rhythm of the strokes. Swallowing the 12 grains in time is synonymous with 12 months of luck and prosperity. In the Poblenou district, the Torre Agbar marks each stroke of midnight by changing color. A pyrotechnic sound and light show follows, given next to the magic fountain of Montjuïc.
London, England
In London, you can admire the fireworks, fired from the banks of the Thames. During the holidays, the theaters of the West End put on performances of the most legendary musicals. The evening begins in unusual restaurants, starred or with a view. It continues in pubs, clubs, cocktail bars, themed bars and rooftop bars. The atmosphere is electric and trendy in Soho, vintage in Shoreditch, techno and punk in Camden Town. Concerts, DJ sets, activities, fancy dress parties… everywhere the bars compete in imagination to impress night owls and nightclubbers.
In stereo, Big Ben’s chime counts down and rings in the new year. The luckiest will have their ticket for the fireworks, fired from the banks of the Thames, with Big Ben and the London Eye in the background (new batch of tickets going on sale in early December 2022). Even for those who haven’t won the sesame, the party promises to be crazy in a city that is bubbling with parties and parties. The disappointed will follow the live broadcast of the fireworks in the boosted atmosphere of a pub, will see it during a dinner cruise or a gala evening on the Thames. And, far from the glare of the fires, several institutions organize huge parties. The celebration continues on January 1 with the New Year’s Day Parade, the unmissable costume parade, as well as concerts in churches and performance halls.
Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re looking for a cheap New Year’s Eve in Europe, consider Lisbon. In addition to the festive atmosphere, the Portuguese capital will delight your palate. Head to the Timeout Food Market to sample a wide variety of delicacies, before strolling through the city streets and taking part in the festivities. Spending the New Year in Lisbon also means enjoying a fireworks show on the banks of the Tagus. And then? Head for the clubs of the city to end or rather start the New Year’s Eve party.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is the perfect destination to combine a city break and New Year’s Eve. It’s well known: there’s no risk of getting bored in the capital of the Netherlands, and this is all the more true on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve. The festivities take place at the Oosterdok, which would not be complete without the famous fireworks display at midnight, which can be observed from the Magere Brug. Just like in Lisbon, spending the New Year in Amsterdam promises clubbing parties until the early hours. Go to Amsterdam to spend a peaceful New Year, strolling along the illuminated canals. New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam is first celebrated in the peaceful image of the canals, in Zen mode, by walking the streets and the banks, on foot or by bike.
Above all, partygoers flock to the bars and nightclubs of a city renowned for its hip clubs and techno scene. For families, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise village (open until 3 a.m.) presents musical performances and offers winter activities in a fairground atmosphere: Christmas stands, ice rink, sledge, Ferris wheel, rides, cross-country skiing, etc. The more athletic can slide on the open-air skating rink at Museumplein (open until 1 a.m.). A countdown is made there, and fireworks are fired at the fateful hour, among several others. The best spots to admire them are Dam Square, Rembrandtplein and Nieuwmarkt.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a year-round party-goer’s paradise. No wonder then that it is an essential destination to spend New Year’s Eve. It is certainly in the German capital that the best New Year’s parties take place. Celebrating New Year’s Day in Berlin is also about spending an unusual New Year’s Eve: you will experience the 10 strokes of midnight like nowhere else. A little before midnight, Berliners take to the streets with their paraphernalia of fireworks and firecrackers. You won’t miss this unique spectacle, no matter where you are in the city. Head to the Brandenburg Gate to join in the party in Berlin. The most revelers will end the night in one of the many clubs in the city. The epicenter of Berlin’s Silvester (New Year’s) festivities is at the Brandenburg Gate, which hosts what is known as one of the largest festive New Year’s Eve gatherings in the world. The party is in full swing on Pariser Platz transformed into an open-air concert hall (access by reservation).
When the New Year comes, Berlin keeps its reputation as a night owl. Street Eve gives way to feverish evenings. Clubbing reaches its climax in alternative Berlin: in the bobo district of Prenzlauer Berg, and bohemian Kreuzberg, bastion of “multi-kulti” Berlin and haunt of students. Apart from the jazz clubs which are legion, the techno scene flourishes in Friedrichshain, stronghold of dancing Berlin. Night owls take off for underground trips to the very select clubs of this district, emblem of Berlin’s marginality.
Prague, Czech Republic
Looking for ideas for a romantic New Year? Prague is waiting for you. The capital of the Czech Republic is renowned for being one of the most romantic European cities. Stroll through the old town, between buildings with Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Admire the fireworks while stopping on the Charles Bridge. And if you’re looking for something a little more original than a night out, consider taking a cruise on the Vltava. Several fireworks will be set off in Prague on the evening of December 31. Do not miss the castle one, which you can admire from the old town or the Charles Bridge. Praque seduces lovers for a New Year’s Eve placed under the sign of romanticism. The “city of a hundred steeples” is one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe, with its multicolored Baroque monuments and Gothic churches linked by cobbled streets.
The charming huts of the Christmas markets remain open, and the lucky ones will even see the steeples covered in a blanket of snow. Lovers spend happy hours in a brasserie or a medieval tavern, during a river cruise on the Vltava, to the sound of jazz or a DJ set, or in trendy nightclubs. Partygoers on a pub crawl stop in the squares and on the banks of the river. The high point of the celebrations, several fireworks are set off, the most majestic being that of the castle. Crowds gather in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, but the festivities light up the entire city, from sidewalk cafes to the hills of Letná and Petřín, Charles Bridge and the Vltava quays.
Reykjavik, Iceland
What destination for New Year’s Eve? Reykjavik of course! The majority of the city’s festivities are private. In the Icelandic capital, it is the inhabitants who are responsible for organizing the transition to the new year. Around 11:35 p.m., the locals take to the streets with their fireworks. And there was light: the city, plunged into darkness since 5 p.m., shines with a thousand lights. Do not panic if you notice that the streets are deserted between 10:30 p.m. and 11:35 p.m., 90% of the inhabitants will be watching “Áramótaskaup”, a satirical TV show. In Reykjavik for the New Year, you may be lucky enough to observe the sublime Northern Lights.
In Iceland, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with your feet in the snow and your eyes fixed on the sky. As a polar fairyland, Reykjavík sees the Northern Lights give the spectacle of New Year’s Eve. Besides the sky, the ground also shines brightly. Some of the best spots to view these explosive festivities include Hallgrímskirkja Church, Perlan Geothermal Reservoir, Lake Tjörnin and the city’s heights. This endless polar night continues during private parties in bars, clubs and discos.
Tignes, France
In lack of ideas to spend the New Year in France? In Savoie, Tignes is increasingly popular when it comes to welcoming the new year. Forget dress and blazer, put on a down jacket, hat and gloves and let yourself go to the sound of music on the open-air dance floor. This is an original New Year’s Day! You will forget the cold. Not to mention the fireworks that light up the sky and the snow of the surrounding mountains.
Hamburg, Germany
While most people head to the German capital, those in the know head further north to the bustling port city of Hamburg. In recent years, it has gained a reputation as one of the best places to party in Europe, with more and more alternative parties, trendy bars and events taking place across the city. Prepare for your evening in Hamburg by choosing a good vantage point to watch the fireworks (the best being undoubtedly on the Landungsbrücken, “the piers”). Then go to the city center and its many evenings organized for the occasion. St. Pauli is the favorite district of tourists, but also locals, there are some very nice bars as well as world famous concert halls. You can also go to the Sternschanze district, which concentrates all the alternative clubs in the city.
Porto, Portugal
Looking for a New Year’s destination? The fireworks that light up the city are reason enough to head to northern Portugal for the New Year. The celebrations begin on Avenida dos Aliados, where thousands of people gather for the New Year countdown. Porto then continues to party until dawn, in the streets, clubs and trendy bars. The biggest parties take place near the Galeria Paris, a street full of bars, clubs and restaurants. No need to take a taxi to get there or leave: the metro runs there all night. To optimize your stay, read our selection of essential visits to Porto.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Eastern European capitals have become synonymous with partying, with cities like Prague, Budapest and Belgrade ranked among the “best party cities in the world”. But the Slovak capital still remains quite discreet for European partygoers despite its incredible offer in terms of clubs and nightclubs. There’s no better time to get acquainted with Bratislava than on New Year’s Eve, when the city center turns into a pedestrian zone, so revelers can catch the concerts and parties held on Hlavne Namestie and Hviezdoslavovo Namesty. Be sure to be there at midnight to watch Slovaks use wooden noisemakers called Řehtačka to chase away bad vibes from the past year. Then follow them to the bars of the city to party all night long.
Bonus: New York, USA
Okay NY isn’t in the Europe but who hasn’t dreamed of spending New Year’s in New York? Yes, it is necessary to plan a little more budget due to the price of the flights. But isn’t it worth it? To be in New York for the New Year is to take part in the famous festivities of Times Square. Be careful, do not be afraid of crowds. The famous event brings together nearly a million people, who together celebrate the arrival of the new year. The festivities of course include fireworks, but also performances by world-renowned artists.
Every year, no less than a million people gather in Times Square to move on to the next year. The star of the party is the Times Square Ball, a geodesic sphere, a kind of giant disco ball, which makes the show and the countdown. Year starts with a shower of confetti and fireworks. The evening and the night pass to the rhythm of video projections, concerts, live performances and star appearances. Outside of Times Square, other fireworks are set off in a plume of entertainment, such as at Prospekt Park in Brooklyn. The spectacle can also be admired from the observatories and rooftops of skyscrapers. Lovers of calm will opt for a cruise on the Hudson; the most athletic, for the NYRR Midnight Run, a 4 km race in Central Park, decorated with disguises, parades and DJ sets.
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